New Grad resume assistance

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 5, 2010

As you seem to have figured out ... adding a bunch of fake, flowery language is not the answer to your dilemma. You need to identify "true" ways in which you stand out. If you can't identify any special strengths, talents, or experiences that you have ... then you may have to accept the fact that you really ARE a "plain vanilla candidate" and make the most of that. Start from that basic starting point and build your career from there.

Maybe we can help you articulate some strengths and "special things" about yourself. But to do that, you'll have to do the initial work and tell us some of those things. So ...

1. What are you strengths as a nurse?

2. What are your strengths as a person?

3. Have you pariticipated in any school activities, clubs, etc.?

4. Have you done any school projects directly related to your job interests?

5. Have you done any volunteer work over the years?

6. What job experience do you have prior to having the kids?

7. Did you have any experiences as a teenager that should be included?

8. Does you school record include anything of an "exellent" or "outstanding" nature?

Start by asking those kinds of questions. Hopefully, you will find a couple of things to add to your resume. We can help you find a good way to say them.

Final tip: While it's a little late in the game to start ... it's not too late to do something that could enhance your resume. Get involved in your nursing student organization, graduation planning committee, etc.

obicurn · Jan 5, 2010

llg, Thank you for your reply.

One of my main reasons for lack of experience is that I really have been trying to dig myself out of a hole for years. I got married as a teen, had kids starting at 17 and have been trying to regain my identity after a divorce and many years of struggling. I pretty much have no existence to speak of before my schooling.

Noone wants to hear all the details of that mess, I'm sure. Through it all though, I have gained determination, will-power, and self confidence.

As far as before nursing, I did some child-care but the place I worked for has been closed for years and the owner moved out of state. No contact information for my resume.

School experiences, I have gotten excellent reviews from clinical instructors, lots of positive remarks on care plans and things of that nature.

School projects, the only thing that comes to mind is a group project (Health Fair) that we put on last semester, but it was very generalized and didn't relate to L&D or postpartum at all.

The more I sit and try to create my resume, the more I am kicking myself for falling into that "I'll take care of you" trap my ex-husband set for me. I was an incredibly stupid and naive teen and I'm sure paying for it now. I've come a long way and almost have that degree in my hand FINALLY! I'm beginning to worry that finding a job with such a simple resume will be more than difficult.

Personal qualities that I'm sure will help me in this career:

I am caring, compassionate, assertive, flexible, determined, an excellent critical thinker....everything a nurse should be. I typically don't have a lot of self-doubt but in this regard (resume), I do. With the economy in shambles and so many new grads competing for positions, L&D being difficult to get into already, etc....I just want to make sure I have a fair shake.